Spilling Danger

CEC continues its concern for the environment in 2015. In addition to being green efficient internally, we believe it is important to share information to keep ecological awareness alive and positive change happening.

In order to keep up with our country’s need for fossil fuels, energy companies have resorted to the use of oil pipelines. Two spillage incidents occurred on January 17, 2015 leading many to question the safety of this method of obtaining and transporting oil.

A recent article from The Huffington Post states that residents of Glendive, Montana were alerted that high levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, were found in their public water supply following a spill that occurred in the Yellowstone River.  The CDC stated that although the benzene levels did not pose any long-term health risks, they were not safe for short-term consumption. Government officials and Bridger Pipeline Company leaders (the owner of this portion of the pipeline) have yet to effectively recover the crude oil, most of which appears to be trapped beneath the ice-covered river.

The second incident was discovered near Williston, North Dakota, where 3 million gallons of brine leaked into the water system.  Brine is an unwanted byproduct of drilling that is much saltier than seawater and may contain petroleum and residue from the fracking process.  The full environmental impact of this spill may not be realized for months.

It is worth noting that the steps taken during the refining process of converting crude oil to usable fuel have many concerned as well. If a similar leak were to occur at one of the many refineries along a pipeline’s route through our country, there could be further consequences.

It is clear that if we are going to rely on pipelines as a method of obtaining and transporting fossil fuels, we need to be more responsible in their usage, starting now.  As larger pipelines are considered, it is imperative that we develop environmentally conscious methods to monitor the safety of these devices or our waterways will continue to be contaminated.

How has your office been able to lower energy consumption?

Have you contacted your government leaders regarding your concerns?

Should we be spending more time and money on alternative methods of energy development?

Technology and the American Workforce

It is a well-accepted fact that technology impacts nearly all facets of our lives. New research from the PewResearch Center posits the idea that technology, namely the Internet and cell phones, have transformed the American workforce. For most American workers, “…life on the job means life online.”

Through use of an online survey, data was gathered via a sample of working Americans who answered questions regarding the role of technology in their work. One of the main findings of the survey was that technology has changed the ways American workers communicate. E-mail has become the primary method of communication, in spite of the potential threats of spam, hacking, and phishing.

Although many people assume that technology may prove a distraction to workers, just 7% of workers feel their productivity has dropped because of the internet, e-mail and cell phones. In fact, 46% of workers say they feel more productive through the use of technology.

As a result of the prevalence of the use of the internet and e-mail, employers find themselves adapting to changing times as well. 46% of those surveyed mentioned their employers blocking access to certain websites and limiting what content their employees are allowed to post online. Despite this change in the rules surrounding the use of the internet, it is interesting to note that these rules appear to apply more to those in Office-Based positions. In contrast, among those employed in service, skilled and semi-skilled positions, many workers reported not being sure if employers controlled website access or enforced rules about what workers are allowed to do online.

How has technology changed your workplace?

How do we decide the “rules” surrounding the use of technology in the workplace?

Is e-mail a tool to facilitate communication or a block to authentic connection at work?

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” -Paul McCartney

If the commonly held belief that we get what we give holds true, there are an abundance of reasons to give of ourselves to our communities. However, a recent article in The Huffington Post reveals that volunteer rates have currently hit an all-time low in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that 2013 saw the lowest percentage of people volunteering since 2002, the year in which the Bureau began tracking such information. Statistics have not yet been published for 2014.

Now is the perfect time to begin a tradition of compassion and service. Although there has been a decrease in the amount of people who volunteer, there is not likely a correlated decrease in the needs of others who would benefit from such help. As individuals, volunteer service provides social (and some studies have suggested health) benefits to those who give their time and skills to help better their communities. 

As we approach the holiday season and the new year, perhaps we can all aim to find new ways to pay it forward. As individuals and as workplaces, we could affect real change in the lives of others and ourselves if we each make a commitment to give back. 

Will you be engaging in volunteer service in the new year?

Do you believe in giving back? If so, how?